Netflix’s new Matilda the Musical went a bit under-the-radar this previous week on the platform, competing with the large launch of Glass Onion: A Knives Out Thriller and the Witcher spin-off Blood Origin. However don’t miss it — the variation of the West Finish and Broadway hit is among the most enjoyable film musicals of the yr, with two standout song-and-dance numbers which might be among the many greatest scenes of 2022 motion pictures.
An adaptation of the Tony award-winning stage musical, Matilda the Musical brings again director Matthew Warchus, screenwriter Dennis Kelly, and songwriter Tim Minchin from that manufacturing. And the caliber of expertise behind the digital camera reveals: The fantastical drama retains the spectacular choreography and enjoyable songs of the stage manufacturing, whereas including results and moments which might be solely attainable in cinema. Matilda has evocative manufacturing design full of pops of colour, and the type of ostentatious costuming you’d count on from a Matilda challenge, together with unimaginable baby performers and a number of the greatest choreography you’ll see on the motion pictures this yr.
Earlier in December, the showstopping finale, “Revolting Kids,” went mildly viral on-line, and for good purpose: It’s an awesome show of the film’s terrific choreography and of the ability of the younger performers.
However I’m right here to sing the praises of an earlier scene within the film, one which reveals off the deft song-writing and visible storytelling past the wonderful choreography and performances: “Faculty Track.”
The quantity begins on a stark statue of college headmistress Trunchbull, with the humorously dour message “No Snivelling,” earlier than launching right into a dramatic quantity warning Matilda and her new buddy Lavender of the harshness of the varsity (and its overlord, performed with the assistance of prosthetics by Emma Thompson). If it had been simply the showstopping lead bully efficiency from Meesha Garbett, or the unimaginable hand choreography with the varsity gate, that might be sufficient for a memorable quantity. However issues escalate to a different stage within the second half of the track, as you notice the phrases have been following alongside the alphabet. That’s heightened with a collection of intelligent visible gags to focus on every of the letters as they’re stated within the track, and makes the quantity much more satisfying on future viewings.
Matilda the Musical is among the many greatest Netflix motion pictures, musical motion pictures, and youngsters’s motion pictures this yr. And in the event you discovered “Faculty Track” half as enjoyable as I did, you’re certain to have a good time.
